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Political psychology is an interdisciplinary academic field, which attempts to understand politics, politicians, and political behavior from a psychological point of view. With roots that date back to the 1800’s, political psychologists use cognitive and social explanations to study the behavior of politicians, the foundations for their beliefs, political dynamics between parties, and the outcomes of political behavior.
A combination of a variety of fields – psychology, political science, government, education, economics, business, and communications – political psychology provides insight into how these real-world processes interact and impact political decision-making.
Dr. Bart Rossi, a board certified clinical psychologist, political psychologist and former keynote speaker for theAmerican Psychological Association, has published many articles, and written the book, “The New-American Life Style Post-September, 11, 2001”. Dr. Rossi says:
“Blending degrees, such as clinical and political psychology, can offer opportunities for students beyond what is commonly expected. The area of political psychologist is growing and changing, and there are numerous opportunities for employment.”
What distinguishes political psychologists from individuals who study political science is that political psychologists explain political phenomena from a strictly psychological perspective. They are dedicated to study the mental processes that dominate political judgments and decision-making.
Political Psychologist Career Options
Political psychologists must complete an undergraduate degree, with the bulk of coursework in psychology, political science, communications, and sociology. At this level, an individual may be able to obtain entry-level work analyzing campaign data or conducting polling.
To have greater employment choices and earn a higher wage, individuals must earn at least a master’s degree. There are many programs nationwide, including doctoral and certificate programs available to those who wish to focus on research or teach at the college level. At the master’s and doctoral levels, coursework will include: social psychology, political ideology, cognition, decision-making, and political beliefs and attitudes.
Because political psychologists do not perform therapy, there are no licensure requirements. However, most states will require licensure to use the title, “psychologist”.
Typical Employment Settings for a Political Psychologist
There are many areas/sectors offering employment opportunities to political psychologists, including:
Although the field of political psychology has been around for many years, it is in a constant flux of change. As the world changes, so does this field of psychology. Whereas in the past, most political psychologist found themselves working with political candidates or in local and state government agencies, today countless opportunities lie in areas of international relations and terrorism, studying personality traits and the underlying behaviors of terrorist and terrorists groups.
How to Advance Your Career as a Political Psychologist
Although individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree will find entry-level work and earn a respectable wage, those who wish to advance in their career or chose to work in other areas of psychology, or wish to earn a higher wage, must further their education and earn a master’s or doctoral degree.
As psychology is the scientific study of human behaviors and thought processes, these attributes are particularly welcome to employers looking to hire a political psychologist. A few of the other attributes that would be of particular significance when applying for employment as a political psychologist would include:
Resources and Organizations for Political Psychologists
There are any number of organizations and networking opportunities available to political psychologists, especially during an election year. Just a few include:
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures forlife, physical,and social sciencesandpsychologistsare based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.
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